Expanding Opportunity for Every Texas Child

As a young girl growing up in Dallas, I remember being glued to the television, awestruck as we watched the first man walk on the moon. I was amazed by that remarkable human achievement, and proud that Americans had come together to solve a challenge many thought was impossible.

As a parent, I’ve toured NASA with my son, proud that Texas continues to play an important role in space exploration. I believe all children, across every background, should have the chance to reach for the stars.

Texas needs to do much more to ensure that all children can reach their full potential. Our state is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s worst states for children. With nearly 1 in 10 U.S. children calling the Lone Star State home, child well-being in Texas should be a top national concern.

Looking deep into the data, we found that too many children in Texas today continue to face tremendous barriers to opportunity because of the color of their skin.

To realize our vision of a Texas that provides opportunity for all, a child’s risks or opportunities should not be dictated by her gender, ZIP code, income, race or ethnicity. It is past time to expand opportunity for every child.

This report examines why there are such significant disparities in child well-being by race and ethnicity, what policies may have created, promoted or ignored differential barriers that children face, and how smart public policies can raise the bar for all kids while closing the gaps in child well-being for children of color.

It is time for us to summon the same pride and innovation we used to get to the moon to launch our youngest Texans on the path to opportunity. Let’s work together to make Texas the best state for children and families.

At the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we believe in a Texas that offers everyone the chance to compete and succeed in life. We envision a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated, and financially secure. We want the best Texas - a proud state that sets the bar nationally by expanding opportunity for all.
CPPP is an independent public policy organization that uses data and analysis to advocate for solutions that enable Texans of all backgrounds
to reach their full potential. We dare Texas to be the best state for
hard-working people and their families.

1 Comment

First, in order to increase the academic levels at the poorer schools, the children must be fed and
must be in a disciplined environment in school. The Principal must be a strong leader and have the backing of the school board. The teachers must have the backing of the Principal. Disruptive students must be immediately removed from the classroom. They are acting out in school due to problems at home.

You cannot save them all; but you can save a good many of them.

Set up charter or magnet schools if you will in these poorer, performing school districts, with these tough rules.
Parents can choose where to send their children. Those parents that don’t care, won’t bother sending their children to any school. Those parents that do care, will send their children to the tougher school and will back up the teacher.

The question is not color or racial background; the question is “Do they (the parents) care about their
children’s welfare?”